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Friday, May 31, 2013

Augusta, Maine - Governor Paul R. LePage announced today that the Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved his request for emergency low-interest loans, following the recent apartment house fires in the City of Lewiston. Low-interest disaster loans will be made available to property owners, residents and other local businesses affected by the fires.

“We are pleased that the SBA can offer support to those whose lives were disrupted by these fires,” Governor LePage said. “The people and businesses of Maine have given generously to assist those left homeless by the fires. Now these low-interest loans from the SBA are also available to help them get back on their feet.”

The Governor added that SBA assistance is available not just to those with property damage, but possibly for businesses that have lost revenue as a result of the fires.

The SBA can provide loans of up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. In addition, businesses suffering damage could receive loans to help repair or replace damaged property and for loss of business.

The following application information has been provided by the SBA:

A Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open at Lewiston City Hall next week. SBA customer service representatives will be available to answer questions about the disaster loan program and help with loan applications.

Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Lewiston City Hall, 27 Pine Street in Lewiston

Opening: Tuesday, June 4 at 8 a.m.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, June 4–6

Individuals and businesses unable to visit the center in person may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard of hearing), or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications can also be downloaded at www.sba.gov. Completed applications should be returned to the center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Blue Hill, Maine - Blue Hill Public Library and School Union #93 are cosponsoring 3 week-long sessions in July and August of a free morning day camp at the Library, called Summer Fun with Leaping Literacy. Children will use art, drama, and movement to enter the wonderful worlds of their favorite books, fun and exciting ways for children to explore story books, strengthen their reading skills and let their imaginations take them for a thrilling summer ride. Activities will include “music and jumping around,” journals, interactive science, book-making, and art projects.

The program is for children Ages 5 to12, but the age range is flexible based on interest and need. The sessions are scheduled for Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to noon, July 29th to August 2nd, August 5th to 9th, and August 12th to 16th. More than one session may be requested depending upon availability. In addition, middle or high school students may request an internship to assist the teachers, and receive community service hours and a letter of recommendation upon completion of the program.

This program is free, thanks to the generous support of the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation, the Robert N. Haskell & Gladys M. Stetson Fund of the Maine Community Foundation, and Friends of the Blue Hill Public Library. Registration is open and forms are available at the library or at www.schoolunion93.org. For more information call Rachel Kohrman Ramos at the Union # 93 Central Office, 374-9927.

Ellsworth, Maine - TEMPO (The Eastern Maine Pops Orchestra for Young Musicians) will showcase
music that celebrates America’s history in their spring concert, “Our Founding Fathers: The Civil War and America” to be performed at The Grand on Saturday June 15th at 7pm.

From their live scoring of a timeless silent film classic to their participation in an event honoring our country’s veterans, TEMPO has made their home at The Grand since 2012, providing young musicians an opportunity to enhance their skills through performance. Made up of advanced players who hail from near and far parts of our state, TEMPO’s latest concert both honors America’s history and commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The orchestra (conducted by Rebecca Edmondson and Ethan Edmondson) will be playing everything from the American folk classic “Shenandoah” to instantly familiar works from “Gone With The Wind”, “The Last of the Mohicans” and Ken Burns “Civil War” documentary, to the conductor’s own composition “Chestnut Ridge.” There’s even an audience sing-a-long to a medley of well-known American tunes from throughout this country’s history.

Bring a friend and share the experience of TEMPO’s spring concert, “Our Founding Fathers: The Civil War and America,” at The Grand on Saturday June 15th at 7pm.

Tickets are $9 for General Admission and $5 for Students and are available at The Grand box office (667-9500) or online at www.grandonline.org.

Bangor, Maine - The Downtown Bangor Partnership is pleased to announce the 2013 return of the Cool Sounds Summer Concert Series. On Thursday evenings from June 6th to August 1st, the public is encouraged to come to Pickering Square in Downtown Bangor to hear some great, free music. The Cool Sounds Summer Concert Series is presented by Bangor Hydro Electric Company. The Bangor Daily News is our media sponsor for this event.

Kicking off this year’s Concert Series on the evening of June 6th, undoubtedly with a bang, will be Brian Catell & the Jump City Jazz Band! Priding themselves on being an extremely versatile group, the band’s musical repertoire consists of various jazz, swing, pop, and rock pieces, while the group itself features an array of instruments, including brass, woodwind, keys, and strings.

Brian Catell & the Jump City Jazz Band has been featured on television, as one segment of the group serves as the house band for the WABI television program, “The Nite Show with Dan Cashman.”

The concert starts at 6pm and runs in conjunction with the Fresh Air Market on Broad Street from 5:00PM-8:00PM. Up to 50 vendors are expected weekly. Market items sold are handmade, prepared or raised by the vendor; emphasis is placed on Maine-made, specialty food items and produce. Available items include artwork, baked goods, produce, specialty foods, handbags, jewelry, photography and much more. Food vendors are also on site.

Remaining 2013 Cool Sounds Summer Concert Series Lineup: June 13th Juke Rockets, June 20th Travis Cyr, June 27th Rog and Ray, July 4th Bangor Band, July 11th Dark Hollow Bottling Company, July 18th The Mallett Brothers Band, July 25th Retrorockerz, August 1st Flash! in the Pans Steel Drum Band For more information on the summer long event, go to www.downtownbangor.com.

The Downtown Bangor Partnership promotes and markets activities that enhance the distinctive identity of Downtown Bangor, encouraging retention and growth of commercial, residential, and cultural life within the downtown district. For more information on the Downtown Bangor Partnership visit the following link: http://www.downtownbangor.com.

Early American Garden Design:Popular Landscaping in Colonial and Victorian America

Monday, June 3, 7:00 pm

To highlight the importance of the garden in history, we are presenting a series of illustrated garden history talks by horticulturalist Diana Chapin ofThe Heirloom Garden of Mainein Montville. Diana's first talk ison how gardening changed from the Colonialthrough the Victorian Eras. Her slides depict popular landscape design techniques of the period and will help anyone with an old home or an interest in heirloom gardening to develop their landscape using traditional design techniques.

Diana George Chapin's family has farmed in New England since 1628. At The Heirloom Garden of Maine she collects, preserves and propagates over 300 varieties of flowers, bulbs, vegetables and herbs that were common in early American gardens. Diana holds a B.S. in Landscape Horticulture and Design, and a M.S. in Plant, Soil and Environmental Science from the University of Maine.

This talk will be at PMM's Stephen Phillips Memorial Library, 11 Church Street, Searsport, on Monday, June 3, at 7:00 pm. Tickets in advance are $8 members, $10 non-members, or at the door $12 members, $15 non-members. Buy tickets online athttp://garden01.eventbrite.com or call 207-548-2529.

Series tickets are available for all four talks at $24 for members and $30 for non-members. The other talks in the series are Heirloom Gardening is for the Birds! (Bees and Butterflies, too!) on Monday, July 1, 7:00 pm, Colonial Herbs for meate and medicine, and Shaker Influence on Monday, August 5, 7:00 pm and Seed Saving Primer, and Genetic Engineering and Food Security on Monday, September 9, 7:00 pm.

In the morning, the President will receive the Presidential Daily Briefing in the Oval Office.

Later, the President, joined by college students, will call on Congress to help keep college affordable for middle-class families and students by preventing student loan interest rates from doubling on July 1st.

Later in the morning, the President will welcome NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen to the White House. The Secretary General’s visit underscores the vital importance the United States places on the North Atlantic Alliance and our relationship with Europe, and our shared commitment to addressing challenges together.

In the morning, the Vice President will travel to the Presidential Palace.

At 10:00 AM LOCAL TIME/9:00 AM ET, the Vice President will meet with President Dilma Rousseff.

Later in the morning, the Vice President will travel to the Ministry of External Relations.

At 11:15 AM LOCAL TIME/10:15 AM ET, Vice President Biden will meet with Vice President Michel Temer.
At 12:15 PM LOCAL TIME/11:15 AM ET, Vice President Biden and Vice President Temer will deliver statements to the press. These statements will be open press and audio will be streamed live to www.WhiteHouse.gov/Live.

Afterwards, Vice President Biden and Vice President Temer will attend a lunch. This lunch is closed press.

In the afternoon, the Vice President and Dr. Biden will depart Brasília, Brazil, en route Washington, DC.

9:00AM

The Vice President meets with President Dilma Rousseff

Local Event Time:

10:00 AM

9:40AM

The President receives the Presidential Daily Briefing

The Oval Office

10:15AM

The Vice President meets with Vice President Michel Temer

Local Event Time:

11:15 AM

10:20AM

The President delivers remarks on student loans

The Rose Garden

10:50AM

The President meets with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen

The Oval Office

11:15AM

The Vice President delivers statements to the press with Vice President Temer

Search and rescue watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, located in San Pedro, Calif., received a radio transmission at around 11:00am from a woman stating she needed help. The Coast Guard watchstanders made radio call-outs to her, but she did not respond.

A 45-foot response boat medium crew from Station Los Angeles-Long Beach and a helicopter from Air Station Los Angeles were dispatched. Search and rescue watchstanders directed the rescue helicopter to the south side of Catalina Island, where she was found at Ben Weston Point, and hoisted into the helicopter.

“The surf was pretty rough and she was on the beach. It quickly became apparent that hoisting her was the only option. No one would be able to reach her from land or a surface boat," said Lt. j.g. Darin Coleman, a Coast Guard Air Station Los Angeles pilot.

The woman reported the boat she was on became disabled, so she paddled to shore on a surfboard with a hand held radio in an attempt to get better reception to call for help. The remaining two individuals on the boat were able to affect repairs and made it safely back to a harbor on the island.

Augusta, Maine - Old Fort Western, the 1754 National Historic Landmark fort, store, and house museum on the Kennebec River in downtown Augusta, invites children interested in local history and stewardship, who are between the ages of eight and twelve to register for our annual Summer Apprentice Program. The program runs in week-long sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. beginning with the week of June 17, 2013.

This is an opportunity to experience what life was like in the 18th century by exploring storekeeping, blacksmithing, soldiering, every day life, and more. Apprentices will also learn about the care and stewardship of the historic site by learning proper maintenance and interpretation of the site, objects and archaeological collections to ensure the continued enjoyment of the fort by future generations. Once graduates of the apprentice program are 13 years old, they can go on to be Junior Interpreters -- volunteering at open visitations and special events. Many junior interpreters have become historical interpreters here at Old Fort Western.

This program costs $62.50 per week. If interested please fill out the registration form found on line at www.oldfortwestern.org or stop by the Old Fort Western Administrative Office in the Augusta City Center. Payment in full must be received by 4:00 p.m. Friday the week prior to the registered program session. A maximum of twelve participants may register for any given week, so space is limited. Discounts for Augusta residents and multiple children are available and scholarship money will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Please call or e-mail for more information; Old Fort Western at 626-2385 or by e-mail at oldfort@oldfortwestern.org.

Rockland, Maine - Historian Renny Stackpole will discuss the antebellum period of shipbuilding and the impact of the Civil War on this industry at the Thomaston Historical Society, Thursday, June 13, at 7 p.m. The presentation is part of the Georges River Land Trust’s 2013 Walks and Talks series exploring the environment and history of the St. George River.

Stackpole, a resident of Thomaston, former director of the Penobscot Marine Museum and trustee of the General Henry Knox Museum, will focus on letters of the Gilchrist family of Thomaston, a major source for information on the topic. Thomaston was a major shipbuilding center, and the talk will appropriately be held at the Historical Society, 80 Knox Street, adjacent to the current Lyman-Morse boatyard and the last original building of Montpelier, General Knox’s mansion, which has been recreated further north in Thomaston.

Shipbuilding was and continues to be a significant industry in the area, and the mission of the Land Trust includes conserving the traditional heritage of the Georges River watershed region.

The Land Trust’s annual Walks and Talks include hikes on the Georges Highland Path, paddles on the St. George River, the Garden Tour and lectures on flora, fauna and environment. The next event is a paddle and lunch on the middle St. George on Saturday, June 22, beginning at 10 am.

For additional activities and more information, visit GeorgesRiver.org or phone (207) 594-5166.

The Tank Vessel Profit after a collision with the Motor Vessel Imperial Spirit 30 miles off of the coast of Galveston May 30, 2013. The collision caused damage to both vessels, but no injury or pollution occurred during the incident. U.S Coast Guard Photo.

HOUSTON — The Coast Guard is responding to a collision between two deep draft ships approximately 30 miles off the coast of Galveston today.

There has been no report of injury or pollution from either vessel; however, both vessels are reporting damage but are in stable condition.

At approximately 5:50 a.m. watchstanders at Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Texas City received a report of a collision between the 900-foot Tank Vessel Profit loaded with approximately 19 million gallons of crude oil and the 625-foot Motor Vessel Imperial Spirit loaded with grain.

The Coast Guard launched an Air Station Houston helicopter with a pollution incident responder to conduct an initial damage assessment.

GALVESTON, Texas - The US Coast Guard Cutter Skipjack, a 110-foot cutter, sits at its berth in Coast Guard Sector Galveston August 7, 2012. The Skipjack is designed for law enforcement operations along the Texas coastline. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kevin Metcalf.

Coast Guard Cutter Skipjack was also launched with a team of incident responders, marine inspectors, and marine casualty investigators to conduct a preliminary investigation and mitigate any possible further risk to the environment or the mariners aboard the two vessels.

AIR QUALITY ALERT IS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING UNTIL 11 PM TONIGHT...

THE MAINE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION HAS ISSUED AN AIR QUALITY ACTION DAY FOR THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES...

LINCOLN... KNOX... COASTAL WALDO.

THE MAINE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION'S BUREAU OF AIR QUALITY HAS ISSUED AN AIR QUALITY ALERT . . . UNTIL 11 PM ON FRIDAY... FOR THE THE MID-COAST COASTAL REGIONS OF MAINE WHICH COVER THE COAST FROM BOOTHBAY HARBOR THROUGH THE PENOBSCOT BAY. POOR AIR QUALITY IS LIKELY TO CONTINUE INTO THE WEEKEND FOR THE ENTIRE COASTLINE.

PEOPLE WHO MAY BE ESPECIALLY SENSITIVE TO THE EFFECTS OF ELEVATED LEVELS OF POLLUTANTS INCLUDE THE VERY YOUNG, THE ELDERLY AND THOSE WITH PRE-EXISTING RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS SUCH AS ASTHMA AND OR HEART DISEASE. THOSE WITH SYMPTOMS SHOULD CONSIDER CONSULTING THEIR PERSONAL PHYSICIAN.

A TOLL FREE AIR QUALITY HOTLINE HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED SO MAINE RESIDENTS CAN STAY INFORMED ON THE AIR QUALITY SITUATIONS. THE TOLL FREE NUMBER IS: 1-800-223-1196.

SECRETARY JOHN KERRY9:30 a.m. Secretary Kerry holds a bilateral meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany Guido Westerwelle, at the Department of State.10:50 a.m. Secretary Kerry joins President Obama’s meeting with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, at the White House.DEPUTY SECRETARY BILL BURNS10:00 a.m. Deputy Secretary Burns accepts the credentials of Ambassador-designate of Iraq to the U.S. Lukman Abdul-Rahim Faily, at the Department of State.12:30 p.m. Deputy Secretary Burns attends a meeting at the White House.2:30 p.m. Deputy Secretary Burns meets with British Ambassador to the U.S. Sir Peter Westmacott, at the Department of State.3:45 p.m. Deputy Secretary Burns meets with Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, at the Department of State.4:45 p.m. Deputy Secretary Burns meets with Tunisian Nahda Party Leader Rachid Ghannouchi, at the Department of State.

CHIEF OF PROTOCOL AMBASSADOR CAPRICIA PENAVIC MARSHALL
Ambassador Marshall assists with the working visit of the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, His Excellency Anders Fogh Rasmussen, at the White House.

Augusta, Maine - Governor Paul R. LePage announced that he and the Maine International Trade Center will be leading a delegation of Maine businesses and schools to Mexico and Colombia this fall on for the annual State of Maine Trade Mission. This year’s mission, which will run from October 27-November 2, will again feature business matchmaking and other promotional events to help Maine companies enter and expand in these markets.

The mission will be the second for Governor LePage and the fifteenth for a Maine governor. The last state trade mission to Mexico was in 2001; the visit to Colombia will be the first. “Latin America presents numerous opportunities for our Maine businesses,” commented Governor LePage. “Both countries are growing and value U.S. quality products.”

Mexico’s GDP has recorded positive growth over the past several years, and the country ranks as the United States’ second-largest export market and third-largest trading partner. In addition, Mexico has been a growing source of foreign investment in the United States and most recently Maine, where Dalegip America Inc. recently announced a joint venture partnership with Searsport-based GAC Chemical. Major Mexican investments in the U.S. have been in the construction industry, industrial products, real estate and food processing sectors.

“We have established some great working partnerships with our Mexico/Colombian counterparts at US Department of Commerce and other in-country cooperators,” says Janine Bisaillon-Cary, president of MITC and State Director of International Trade. “Maine companies involved in precision machining and the supply chain for the automotive, oil and gas and mining industries will likely find both markets of interest, as well as medical products manufacturers. These markets are also excellent prospects for student attraction, both at the high school and higher ed levels.”

Tim Hussey, CEO of North Berwick-based Hussey Seating Company, says Mexico “has proven to be a good market” for his company. “They have a desire for American-designed products, and we are finding we can be competitive in a number of niche markets. Their economy is growing, and we are seeing our business grow there,” Hussey explained.

Political stability, a growing middle class, and improved security has created an economic boom in Colombia that, coupled with the conservative lending practices by Colombia’s financial institutions, lessened the impact of the global economic crisis, making it the third largest market for U.S. exports in Latin America.

Terry Ingram, the owner of Allagash International in South Portland, has been doing business in Colombia for the past nine years. He says that companies not currently doing business in Colombia are “missing by far the fastest growing per capita country in the region. The culture is warm and Colombians are always excited to partner with US companies.”

Mexico and Colombia rank among the top emerging markets for Maine exports, with Mexico positioned as one of the top 15 markets worldwide for the state and Colombia showing signs of solid growth following the advent of a new free trade agreement with the U.S. Maine exported $34.9 million in goods to Mexico and $8 million to Colombia in 2012. Top exports currently include paper, motor vehicle parts, vaccines, fruits and nuts, diagnostic materials, medical products and plastics.

The mission is open to all Maine companies and organizations, with the deadline for registration on September 7, 2013. More information is available on MITC’s website at www.mitc.com, or by contacting Wade Merritt (merritt@mitc.com) or Lucy Sommo (sommo@mitc.com).

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Maine - Ground-level ozone concentrations will be climbing in Maine beginning Friday and continuing through Sunday and are expected to reach unhealthy levels according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Ozone levels have been building in Southern New England and Mid-Atlantic states over the last few days. This pool of ozone will be transported to the Gulf of Maine and cause ozone values to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range of the Air Quality Index along areas of the Coast.

Friday's highest levels of ozone are expected along the Mid-Coast and Downeast Coastal regions. On Saturday the highest levels of ozone are likely for the Southwest Coast and Mid-Coastal regions. Ozone levels will likely continue into Sunday but are expected to be washed out by the approaching Low pressure system before Monday. Additionally, particle pollution levels will also be rising and likely reach the Moderate range for the southern portion of the state during the weekend.

At high ozone levels, children, healthy adults who exert themselves, and individuals suffering from a respiratory disease such as asthma, bronchitis or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. When this happens, individuals may notice a shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, and/or experience an uncomfortable sensation in their chest.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during periods of unhealthy air quality include:

- For more information on asthma control visit EPA's Web site www.epa.gov/asthma to find fact sheets, brochures, children's activity books, and educational videos with information about asthma triggers and lessons on asthma management.

There are several ways that Maine's citizens can follow the air quality forecast. In addition to those listed above, sports coaches, elder care workers, nurses and others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the following tools to know when air quality is expected to be poor:

New photos from under the Guadalupe Mountains by cave photographer Peter Jones, June 20

Local potter and photographer Peter Jones has been exploring and photographing the underground world for 44 years. He spent two weeks in April photographing in eight different caves under the Guadalupe Mountains of New Mexico. He has an abundance of new and gorgeous images taken with new techniques. “Come explore that extraordinary world from the comfort of your own seat,” he says. Jones will present the slide talk at the Camden Public Library at 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 20.

Bear Skull Pink Panther Cave.

He says, “Caving (no, it is not called spelunking by those of us who are serious about it!) has been a big part of my life since I went into my first wild cave in 1968 while at the University of Denver. I knew then it would be a lifelong pursuit, though I never would have guessed that it would be such a wonderful vocation for me as well. Although I am a potter by trade, I find my cave-related business is growing year by year. How incredibly fortunate I am to have found two things in my life that produce a living income for me and fulfill my creative desires as well.”

In a message earlier this spring, Jones wrote, “I am currently sitting in Hut 8 at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, getting ready for the second day of the cave photography workshop I am teaching. Been here for about two weeks of cave photography in other caves in the High Guads. Many, many new photos to tease and tantalize with. Here are a few of the new ones. Looking forward to it!”

Ellsworth, Maine - Two paving projects will begin on Monday, June 3rd in Ellsworth.

The first location will be .04 miles northerly of the intersection of Beechland Road, Buttermilk Road and High Street, extending southerly 0.66 miles to 1.89 miles northerly of the intersection of Route 3 and Jordan River Road in Trenton. This project involves pavement milling and repaving along with some drainage improvements. Two-way traffic will be maintained with anticipated completion at the end of July.

The second location will begin .06 miles northerly of Washington and High Streets, extending northerly 1.07 miles to .010 miles northerly of Myrick Street. Alternating one-way traffic with flaggers will assist motorists along this route. The project scope includes pavement milling and repaving along with some drainage improvements. It is anticipated this work will be completed at the end of July.

Lane Construction of Cheshire, Connecticut will perform this $886,000 work.

Ever wonder what marine life can be found at the head of Camden Harbor, where the Megunticook River flows into the ocean? Diann Henderson, a student in the Maine Master Naturalist Program, will help you explore this question with a brief talk in the Camden Public Library followed by an interactive walk at low tide (wear shoes or boots suitable for mud!). The first Tide Walk is Wednesday, June 19, at 1:00 pm.

Ms. Henderson is a Camden native who, like many, left the state and has just returned as a retiree. Her most recent job as a Middle School Math and Science teacher took her to international schools in Cambodia, China, Russia, and Ecuador. Three Beach walks are scheduled during low tide this summer: Wednesday, June 19, 1:00 to 2:30 pm; Monday, July 15, 10:00 to 11:30 am; and Tuesday, August 6, 4:00 to 5:30 pm.

American Lung Association Warns of Increased Pollution as the Temperature Rises in the Northeast

Warmer weather means High Ozone Days are approaching.

(AUGUSTA, ME) – As the communities in the Northeast prepare for warmer temperatures this season, the American Lung Association urges residents here in Maine and across the Northeast to be aware of the increased risk of ground-level ozone and take health precautions when levels are high. One valuable resource is our free State of the Air® smartphone application, which monitors current levels of ozone and particle pollution and pushes out notifications when either pollutant reaches unhealthy levels in your area.
“Air pollution threatens the health of millions in the Northeast alone. With these increased temperatures comes the increased threat of hazardous levels of ozone pollution,” said Jeff Seyler, President & CEO of the American Lung Association of the Northeast. “We are happy to be able to provide this innovative tool so those with lung disease, and without, can effectively monitor their local air quality and take action to limit their exposure to dangerous levels of air pollution.”
Despite continued improvements in air quality, unhealthy levels of air pollution still exist in communities across the country. According to the Lung Association’s State of the Air 2013 report, more than 8.6 million people in the Northeast live in counties with dangerous levels of ozone or particle pollution, the two most widespread air pollutants.
The State of the Air app enables users to enter their zip code or use the geo-locator function to get current air quality conditions and the next-day air quality forecast. The app tracks levels of both ozone and particle pollution, and pushes out alerts if local air quality is code orange- unhealthy for sensitive groups - or worse. Depending on the severity of the day’s air pollution, the app will provide vital health recommendations – advising that outdoor activities should be rescheduled or that people who work outdoors should limit extended or heavy exertion.
High levels of air pollution can make people sick and send people to the hospital,” said Marguerite Pennoyer, MD, a member of the American Lung Association in Maine’s Leadership Board. “That’s why all of us, especially people with lung disease, should pay attention to ozone levels and follow the recommendations when air quality alerts are issued. Being diligent and taking precautions can save a person a trip to the emergency room.”
“Vehicle emissions are a major source of air pollution in Maine and this year, EPA has an opportunity to set stricter standards on tailpipe emissions and to mandate cleaner burning gasoline,” said Ed Miller, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at the American Lung Association of the Northeast. “It is important for Mainers to let EPA know that these standards, which are equivalent to taking 33 million cars off the road, are vital to protecting public health. Introducing these new parameters would one cost about a penny per gallon.”
Besides being aware of air pollution levels there are steps that the public can take to protect that air we all share:
Support our Healthy Air Agenda by visiting www.fightingforair.org .Tell EPA we need cleaner gasoline and vehicle standards to fight life-threatening tailpipe pollution and tighter ozone and carbon pollution standards to clean up the air we breathe. Urge your members of Congress to protect the Clean Air Act, which has been in effect for more than 40 years and has saved lives and improved the quality of life for millions of Americans.
Take steps to clean up the air in your community and to protect your family: drive less; walk, bike, carpool or take transit. Don’t burn wood or trash. Make sure your local school system uses clean school buses. Use less electricity. Don’t’ exercise on
high pollution days and never exercise near busy freeways.
Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LungNE and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LungNE for more information on lung health.
Heat and sunlight mixed with the pollution from tailpipes, smokestacks and other sources create ozone. Ozone is the most widespread air pollutant and can cause health problems like wheezing, coughing, asthma attacks and even premature death. Exposure to ozone pollution has been likened to “a sunburn on the lungs.”
Whether the air is code green, “good,” or code red, “unhealthy,” the app allows users to share their local air quality via email, Facebook or Twitter. The app also provides users with the opportunity to sign up to receive information from the American Lung Association on topics of particular interest to them. Users can also contact their members of Congress through the app’s “speak up” function and voice their support for the Clean Air Act.
The air quality information provided is based on data made available to the public by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The American Lung Association app is available for iPhone in the App Store and for Android in Google Play or at www.lung.org/stateoftheairapp.

The Maine Windjammer Project was
created to preserve a photographic record of the golden age of the
Maine windjammer for the generations to come.

The golden age of sail is long gone,
but, on the coast of Maine the golden age of the Maine windjammer is
at its height. Imagine if you could know ahead of time the important
moments of history and be there to photograph that moment. So many
historic moments have gone by unrecognized by those present and only
later realized the significance of that very moment.

There
was a time when sail was king on the coast of Maine. The lime trade,
granite & marble, lumber from virgin forests, ice and the fishing
trades all employed sailing craft to move their products. The lime
trade alone employed over 200 two masted schooners in Rockland and
the surrounding coastal Maine towns.

Steam
powered vessels were making some of the longer trans-Atlantic runs
and the passenger trade up and down the coast. However, for coastal
trade and the hundreds of islands located just off the coast of Maine
sail is still king.

On
any given day, the coastal waters would be filled with these two
masted schooners delivering cargo to and from all the coastal towns.
They are the lifeline for those living on the islands, delivering
everything from lumber to butter and even your grandfather’s new
Sunday suit.Today
only a handful of the sailing vessels remain. Many of them were
simply used until they were worn out and replaced by a new one.
During the Great Depression, thousands of these boats were just
abandoned where they stood and left to rot.

There
is, however a place where during the summer and fall you can still
see these historic vessels sailing the clear blue waters the Atlantic
much the way they have for the past 200 years. Penobscot Bay is
located on the coast of Maine and on any given day in the summer you
may be able to see as many as 15 or more of these proud sailing
vessels, known as windjammers. Many of these boats have been sailing
for over 100 years! They are truly living history.

The
Maine Windjammer Project started in 2007. It is an ongoing project
to document the modern history of the historic windjammers on the
coast of Maine. Many of these boats are over 100 years old two are
over 142 years, launched in 1871. This unique photographic history
covers from 2007 to the present, sailing, haul out and the special
events, such as The Great Schooner Race 2010 to present.

This
extensive archive is available to maritime and American history
museums and those doing research on these last surviving boats.